“Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness, because greatness is determined by service.”– Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.SPRINGFIELD, MA – Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Inc. announces the appointment of Ariana M. Williams, BSPH, MPA, as the organization’s first-ever Chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation. William’s journey with MLK Family Services began in 2018 as a part-time Community Health Worker, after earning her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from American International College (AIC) as a member of the program’s second graduating class. Within nine months, she was promoted to become the organization’s first Director of Public Health, where she spent three years leading initiatives that strengthened community health, public health programming, and youth development. After a brief period away, she returned in February 2023 as a Grants Consultant, helping to expand and sustain critical programs. In this new role, she steps into a historic leadership role as the organization’s first-ever Chief of Public Health Strategy & Innovation, where she will integrate public health strategies into the organization’s core mission, develop new community-driven initiatives, and strengthen strategic partnerships that advance health equity. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ariana back home to MLK Family Services to fill this inaugural role of Chief of Public Health Strategy and Innovation. This role marks a bold step forward in our commitment to advancing community health and well-being, inspired by our strategic planning process. Ariana’s passion for public health and her deep connection to our community make her an exceptional leader to integrate innovative strategies that will help us meet the evolving needs of those we serve. Together, we will continue to work toward Dr. King’s vision of creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.” shares MLKFS President & CEO, Shannon M. Rudder, MBA. A Springfield native, Williams is also the CEO & Founder of Catalyst for Equity Consulting, where she helps nonprofits strengthen their position in the public health ecosystem by aligning with public health funding, developing evidence-based programs, and driving systemic change. She has led community-based initiatives in problem gambling prevention, gun violence prevention, food insecurity and nutrition, and mental health advocacy. In 2019, Williams led a cohort of Junior Community Health Workers, whose advocacy efforts played an instrumental role in raising the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21 in Springfield, MA. Their work later contributed to the movement to eliminate flavored tobacco products; a tactic used by the tobacco industry to target youth. In 2020, she co-led Springfield’s first-ever Youth Mental Health Advisory Board, “Beat the Odds,” creating a safe space and platform for young people to support one another, share lived experiences and influence mental health policies and resources. Williams earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Westfield State University in 2024. She is also an adjunct professor at American International College, teaching in the same public health program she graduated from. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Rise, L.E.A.P, & Achieve Foundation Inc. and the board of Anti-Racism Community Organizers (ARCO). Williams is committed to ensuring MLK Family Services continues to be a trusted leader in community health, advocacy, and empowerment. “Stepping into this role is not just a career milestone—it is a continuation of my purpose. MLK Family Services has played a pivotal role in my growth, both professionally and personally, and I am honored to now help shape its future. Public health is about community, and I look forward to deepening our impact, expanding critical services, and ensuring that our work remains a trusted resource for those who need it most.” – Ariana M. Williams
For inquiries, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org. |
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”~Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.SPRINGFIELD, MA – Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services is proud to announce its continued commitment to Black excellence with its 41st Anniversary of the year-long HBCU Experience. To launch this years’ experience, scholars from across our region will be participating in the 26th Annual Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair in New York City. This event attracts more than 3,000 high school students and features over 50 HBCUs, many of which provide on-site admissions.
Details are: Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024 Time: 11:00am to 3:30pm (6:00am Departing MLK Jr. Family Services Community Where: Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park Travel Cost: $60 Due at Registration
All interested high school juniors and seniors to join us for this educational and enriching experience are invited to apply. “We are honored to host the longest-running HBCU Experience in the Northeast, led by local dedicated community leaders, many of whom are alumni of our HBCU program and who remain eager to ensure this experience for our scholars today—we are grateful to each of them. Together, we provide financial literacy and college preparation through a multi-generational approach, involving parents and caregivers to enhance the knowledge and cohesion of entire families.” Shares President & CEO, Shannon M. Rudder, MBA “HBCUs are part of a rich history and legacy across our nation and remain a vital program of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services; we are committed to ensuring our youth have ample opportunity to experience being on college campuses to see the change they want to be in the world and to take their place in continuing the rich and lasting HBCU legacy.”
For complete information on attending the fair and signing up for our HBCU season, please visit our website at: https://www.mlkjrfamilyservices.org/hbcu/… If you do not have access to a computer or printer, the HBCU Tour Committee can assist you. Please contact MLKFS at (413) 746-3655 ext. 127, to let committee members know you need assistance, or, visit MLK Community Center located at 3 Rutland Street during our Night Spot hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 6pm and 8:30pm to use our computers. For inquiries on HBCU Experience sponsorship or any other questions, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org.
About: Since 1977, the mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Inc. has been to nurture and develop the skills, opportunities, and spirit of families in Greater Springfield and the surrounding communities.
MLKFS fully embraces the vision of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of the Beloved Community. As a multicultural and multiservice agency dedicated to being “Keepers of the Dream”, MLKFS nurtures and empowers the aspirations of individuals, families and youth to achieve new realities of peace, social and economic justice, self-determination, self-actualization, and self-sufficiency. MLKFS serves as a beacon for the community, offering Out of School Time programming, literacy promotion, college readiness, HBCU Experience, youth mental health, family supports, public health and teen leadership, community engagement initiatives, and cultural experiences through art, dance, and sports. The organization also operates the fourth largest food pantry in Western Massachusetts. |
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“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” ~Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Springfield, MA – MLK Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) will host its inaugural 2024 Family Reunion Weekend celebration September 7-8, 2024, at its signature Community Center. Dr. Frank D. Robinson, 2024 MLKFS Family Reunion Committee Chair, shares the vision of this weekend event, “The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services 2024 Family Reunion celebrates the historic deep commitments and investments in the lives and futures of Springfield residents. We also celebrate its new President & CEO, Shannon, and her bold vision for the future of MLKFS. In the spirit of family, she invites us all to join hands in continuing the legacy of service, unity, and empowerment that has defined this organization. Together, we can build on the foundation laid by those who came before us, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.” Here is what you can expect: Family-Fun Day! to be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 11am – 5pm. Attendees will enjoy food from local vendors; invited to take Community Center tours; participate in Spades/Scrabble/Dominoes/Chess Tournaments: and enjoy karaoke, family relay games, face painting and an opportunity to share/archive their MLKFS legacy story. Fellowship & Worship to be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 4pm. There is no MLKFS without the vision of Project Mustard Seed and attendees will gather in that spirit and tradition with a special worship service under the leadership The Reverend Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery, Pastor of the MLK Jr. Community Presbyterian Church as we welcome Project Mustard Seed Visionary Leader The Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Peters.This celebration will also feature a MLK Community Choir under the direction of Elder Terrence Haynes, accompanied by Terrence Schider. MLKFS CEO, Shannon M. Rudder shares, “Our fellowship is powerful. Together, we will gather to honor our ancestorial legacy leaders, the many who make up the fabric of MLKFS in our region and the dreamers who are investing in the vision forward.” Volunteer event committee members have made this event come to life and are acknowledged here: Rachelle Lee, Elder, MLK, Jr. Community Presbyterian Church; Dr. Frank Robinson, Principal, FDR Consultants; Dr. Karen Rucks-Walker, Asst. VP Advancement, STCC, Executive Director, STCC Foundation; Tim Sneed, Executive Director, Baystate Academy Charter Public School; and Jeff Sullivan, President & CEO, New Valley Bank & Trust, Board Chair Emeritus. Sponsors who are making this event possible include our Platinum Sponsors: Baystate Health, Monson Savings Bank and PeoplesBank; our Bronze Sponsors Center for Human Development and New Valley Bank & Trust; and our Media Partners: BusinessWest/Healthcare News, STCC/WTCC, and Garvey Communications Associates. With the generous support of our sponsors, we will be able to offer the event at no charge. For event details and to pre-register please follow 2024 Family Reunion – MLKFS (mlkjrfamilyservices.org) and for inquiries, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org. About:Since 1977, the mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Inc. has been to nurture and develop the skills, opportunities, and spirit of families in Greater Springfield and the surrounding communities.MLKFS fully embraces the vision of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of the Beloved Community. As a multicultural and multiservice agency dedicated to being “Keepers of the Dream”, MLKFS nurtures and empowers the aspirations of individuals, families and youth to achieve new realities of peace, social and economic justice, self-determination, self-actualization, and self-sufficiency. MLKFS serves as a beacon for the community, offering Out of School Time programming, literacy promotion, college readiness, HBCU Experience, youth mental health, family supports, public health and teen leadership, community engagement initiatives, and cultural experiences through art, dance, and sports. The organization also operates the fourth largest food pantry in Western Massachusetts. |
“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.”~Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Friday, July 18. 2024 – SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services is proud to announce the continued investment by, and partnership of, The MassMutual Foundation through a recent grant of $100,000 to support its emergency food pantry. The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services food pantry provides healthy food options to nearly 250 individuals and families each week. The pantry also serves as a community resource, offering access to medical support through various local health, wellness, and nutrition partners. “The MassMutual Foundation’s investment in MLK Family Services will ensure the continuity of essential services, particularly by supporting personnel and enhancing the resource capacity needed to operate the emergency food pantry,” said Shannon M. Rudder, CEO of MLKFS. “Funding from this initiative will help to ensure these services remain viable and open to any Western Massachusetts resident.” The MassMutual Foundation partners with local community members and organizations to help build financial resilience leading to future opportunities for all. “We are stronger when we come together as a community,” said Dennis Duquette, head of MassMutual Community Responsibility and president of the MassMutual Foundation. “Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services’ food pantry addresses a critical need for families struggling to make ends meet and we are proud to help them expand their impact.” For inquiries, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org. |
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – MLK Jr. Family Services is partnering with the Springfield City Library and Springfield Cultural Partnership to bring the ‘Be Love’ movement to the 413.
Be Love is a call to action and a growing movement of courageous acts to achieve justice. The city of Springfield is joining in by forming a community puzzle.
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said that “Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” On Friday in Atlanta at the King Center and here in Springfield at the MLK Jr Family Service Center, the community is making their pledge to Be Love.
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services presented its 5th Annual Social Justice Awards during a virtual YouTube.com ceremony Saturday afternoon.
This year’s awards were presented in honor of the long-time president and CEO of the non-profit, Ronn Johnson, who passed away in January, to a group of individuals and one team. The final award, a lifetime achievement award, was presented to long-time Springfield educator and religious leader Rev. Bryant Robinson, Jr.
Mayor Dominic Sarno joined the presentation ceremony and said Johnson was a friend and that he was proud to be part of the award ceremony.
“This year’s event is special as we honor and pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Ronn Johnson. Ronn was a dear friend and a well-respected and beloved community leader who always gave back to his community. His family’s landmark initiative ‘The Brianna Fund’, named after his daughter, has aided numerous individuals and families faced with disability challenges to not only get by but to, more importantly, thrive. Truly, Ronn’s legacy is living strong through all of us.”
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Board of Directors of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services has elected Aieshya Jackson as Vice President and Darren James as Treasurer.
Ms. Jackson is a Business Manager for the City of Springfield, Library Department and has more than 15 years of financial services experience. She is a graduate of Bay Path University where she earned a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. Ms. Jackson also attended the Connecticut School of Finance and Management. She resides in Springfield.
Mr. James is a Financial Representative for Northwestern Mutual and has more than eight years of financial services and operations experience. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from American International College with a concentration in Communications and Business. Mr. James resides in Springfield.
About:
Since 1977, the mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Inc. has been to nurture and develop the skills, opportunities, and spirit of families in Greater Springfield and the surrounding communities.
MLKFS fully embraces the vision of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of the “beloved” community. As a multicultural and multiservice agency dedicated to being “Keepers of the Dream”, we nurture and empower the aspirations of individuals, families and youth to achieve new realities of peace, social and economic justice, self-determination, self-actualization, and self-sufficiency. MLKFS has served as a beacon for the multicultural inner-city community, offering Out of School Time programming, literacy promotion, college readiness, family supports, preventative health and nutritional services, community engagement initiatives, and cultural experiences through art, dance, and sports.